Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Lili Taylor Finds Peace Through Birdwatching"

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Lily Taylor, Actress and Author
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Duration: Approximately 22 minutes

Introduction to Lily Taylor and Birdwatching

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes actress Lily Taylor to discuss her newfound passion for birdwatching and its profound impact on her life and career.

[00:00] Alison Stewart:
"Maybe you've seen actor Lily Taylor on TV playing Mary Todd Lincoln in Manhunt or in American Crime or in film like I Shot Andy Warhol and of course, Mystic Pizza. Or maybe you've seen her roaming around the city, binoculars at the ready, because acting is Lily's day job. Birding is how she taps into nature, fine-tunes her powers of observation, and experiences peace and awe."

Lily's Journey into Birdwatching

Lily shares how birdwatching became more than just a hobby, especially during a sabbatical caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

[01:20] Lily Taylor:
"I sort of had a Covid moment 20 years prior and that I was tuckered out and needed a break and went upstate to my house and sort of had a little sabbatical and, and it was quiet. And that's when I started to realize there were things going on out there that weren't generic. They were specific."

She elaborates on the transformation from generic to meaningful observation, highlighting the shift from perceiving bird sounds as mere noise to recognizing them as expressions of living entities.

[01:55] Lily Taylor:
"Like it transformed from a Disney chirp to something with meaning to something that came from a real living thing."

The Philosophy of Listening

Birdwatching has deepened Lily's approach to both her personal life and her craft as an actor, emphasizing the importance of active listening.

[02:18] Lily Taylor:
"Listening is the main skill and it is a skill that I use with birding and it's really the main skill I use with acting. And it's the most important listening."

She discusses how being present and truly listening enhances her relationships and performances.

[02:53] Lily Taylor:
"Exactly. And in conversations... you just get back up on the horse and try again. There's like, no failing. You just keep. And it's like you can do it because you just focus and you start to listen."

The Genesis of Her Book

Lily delves into the creation of her book, Turning to the Power and Beauty of Noticing, describing it as an evolution from her theatrical endeavors.

[03:32] Lily Taylor:
"I've been working on a one-woman show for about seven years called Birdland... and then I showed my manager some of Birdland and he said, hmm, why don't you meet this book agent, David Kuhn? ... It's such a brilliant way to help, like a novice begin."

Engaging with the Community

The conversation shifts to how birdwatching opens doors to interactions with others and the challenges of embracing this new identity.

[05:19] Lily Taylor:
"It's just a glance. I mean, the eye can't hurt me. That stare can't hurt me. And so what if... And then, of course, I realized it is an invitation and it's a way for people to open up a door or for them to share a story."

Philosophical Insights and Emotional Impact

Lily reflects on a philosophical concept that resonates deeply with her birdwatching experiences.

[07:00] Lily Taylor:
"Something else is... feeling awe is a powerful Feeling. And in fact, it means frightening. And so I think that sometimes I feel like I can't handle a powerful feeling."

She connects this to her acting, explaining how birdwatching has made her more gentle with herself amidst the intensity of her profession.

[08:53] Lily Taylor:
"It's made me a little bit more gentle with myself... It's like a muscle. And so it's like I feel like I've got some stuff operating that are. That's like, yeah, I'm in the zone."

Audience Interaction and Practical Tips

The episode includes calls and texts from listeners, providing Lily with an opportunity to share practical advice and app recommendations for aspiring birdwatchers.

[11:13] Janice:
"I have an app on my iPhone that listens to the bird wherever I am and it tells me, you know, identifies the bird and you can get a picture of the bird..."

[11:44] Lily Taylor:
"Merlin ID, Birdcast, Sibley eBird, iNaturalist, Radar special, radar maps, wind apps."

Lily suggests innovative solutions for bird enthusiasts, such as using baby monitors to capture bird songs inside the house.

[16:57] Alison Stewart:
"Hold on, hold on."

[16:59] Lily Taylor:
"Baby monitor. Put the little speaker outside. I have it. It's the best, and it's cheap."

Personal Stories and Community Engagement

Listener Evelyn shares her profound connection with birdwatching from her farm in Mendham, New Jersey, emphasizing the spiritual and peaceful moments birds bring into daily life.

[12:09] Evelyn:
"Every morning I fill up the feeder with seeds... I've become these little old ladies that like get so excited about birds."

Lily responds with empathy and encouragement, reinforcing the joys of observing birds.

[21:17] Alison Stewart:
"How do you fit birding into your day job as an actor?"

[21:22] Lily Taylor:
"It's like, I. Cause they're everywhere and I'm. I'm not fussy... it gives me moments of peace."

Conclusion and Upcoming Events

The episode wraps up with information about Lily's upcoming book discussion at the Strand and appreciation for the callers.

[22:05] Alison Stewart:
"Lily Taylor will be discussing her book at the Strand tonight at 7pm... Thanks to all our callers and folks who texted in."

Notable Quotes:

• Lily Taylor at [02:18]:
  "Listening is the main skill and it is a skill that I use with birding and it's really the main skill I use with acting. And it's the most important listening."

• Lily Taylor at [07:17]:
  "I think something else is. For me, I think feeling awe is a powerful Feeling. And in fact, it means frightening."

• Lily Taylor at [20:56]:
  "It's totally democratic. I know, that's. I'm trying to break the whole stigma. Go. Just start looking at a bird."

Final Thoughts:

In this engaging episode, Lily Taylor eloquently intertwines her passions for acting and birdwatching, illustrating how the art of noticing and listening profoundly enhances both her personal life and professional craft. Her insights offer listeners a contemplative look into finding peace and connection through the simple yet profound practice of observing the natural world.